Barca v Valencia: Big game to keep bringing back the good feelings
They say don't touch what isn't broken and Ronald Koeman may stick to that after Real Sociedad win
Valencia are stalling again, after three draws and a defeat, but they often step it up for the big games. Los Che, for their history and the quality they have, are always tough. Barcelona have two tight wins in a row, Levante (1-0) and Real Sociedad (2-1) where they suffered, but Ronald Koeman's side can have a glass half-full mentality. They showed enough to allow themselves to believe. This could be a big afternoon.
There are no reasons to make changes, let alone wholesale ones. Ronald Koeman is starting to find tactical solutions to problems and winning games on the blackboard. This will be a special afternoon for him because he has a bitter past at Valencia, whom he coached from October 2007. They won the Copa del Rey but he left out of the back door and now is time for his revenge.
Koeman could bring back Clement Lenglet with Araujo in defence, after his warning in midweek when Mingueza took his place. Jordi Alba and Dest will be the full backs.
In midfield we can expect Busquets and De Jong ahead of him in that more advanced role, while Pedri also deserves to stay in the team. Pjanic and Coutinho have not done enough to earn places. Messi, Braithwaite and Griezmann worked well in attack.
Valencia get Maxi Gomez and Gaya back for the game, but Guillamon and Gameiro are missing. Lato is confined for coronavirus reasons.
Barcelona have a lot at stake this afternoon, including the chance to cut down the six point gap at the top. If they can produce the first half display they showed against Real Sociedad for the whole game, then your Madrids and Atleticos will start to worry.
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